CHRISTMAS EVE

I took a spin into Prescott yesterday to see if Arizona's Christmas City was ready for the big day.  Looked to me like it was.

This is one of the historic old homes on Mount Vernon Street.

Two toy soldiers are standing guard at the front door.

A nearby street lamp was colorfully bowed.

The largest decorations adorn the walls of the newly refurbished Yavapai County Courthouse.  These candles undoubtedly give a warm light at night.

And a huge holiday wreath centers the west side of the building.

Meanwhile the gazebo on the Courthouse Square is heavily decorated and features who else?  Good old Saint Nick.

Even in the oddest places does one find a holiday decoration, like on the passenger seat of this gorgeous white BMW convertible.

So all appears to be in readiness.  Now if Santa Claus can just get Rudolph to cooperate.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

WINTER SOLSTICE

Our actual high temperature yesterday was 60.4 degrees F.

It's going to be frigid today, though.  The forecast high is only 52.

THE BEARD - 4TH PHOTO

It continues to struggle on.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

FRIDAY FUNNIES

Hah!  Did you really think I'd leave you without the Friday Funnies this week?  Not a chance!  But first, this safety warning.

O.K.  Now that we have that out of the way.  It's on to the funnies. And something to be extra thankful for.  This is the last week of Christmas funnies.  Brace yourself.

This next one is only marginally Christmassy.

O.K. That's it folks . . . .what?  Oh you want a cat one?  Well of course.

Thanks for the contributions, folks.  Now remember, everyone have a cool yule.  And keep on laughing!

PRE-CHRISTMAS STAYCATION

We had been invited to come down to the Big Valley (Phoenix and environs) to visit our friend Diane's new home and have lunch. Diane posed for a picture with her best friend, Rags.

Diane is one of those rare people who never loses a friend.  We've known her since we first came to Phoenix in 1972.

We went to lunch at Popo's Fiesta del Sol Mexican Restaurant.  I was captivated by the fire feature in front of the restaurant.

The food was delicious but you'll just have to take my word for that. I forgot to take any photos.

The BRD had invited us to take advantage of a couple of days she had to use up at her time share in Scottsdale before the end of the year.  So we did.

Thursday we took in a movie - "Gone Girl".  Kind of unsettling but well-acted.  Later we had dinner at Carrabba's Italian Grill.  Again, no photos but let me describe the food in one word: amazing!  We shared a big bowl of steamers, then it was Veal Marsala topped with mushrooms, prosciutto and a housemade Lombardo Marsala wine sauce for SWMBO.  For me it was prosciutto-wrapped pork tenderloin medallions topped with a port wine fig sauce.  To wind it up a couple of mini cannolis stuffed with sweet ricotta and chocolate chip filling and topped with pistachios and powdered sugar.  As I said - amazing!

This morning after checking out of the time share we took a long drive through Scottsdale and Phoenix.  This is a very old and wonderful water and horse sculpture in Old Town Scottsdale.

Old Town has maintained its charm even while being surrounded by newer and bigger buildings.

I snapped this art deco building front from the car.

After the inevitable stop at a bookstore, it was time to eat once again. For our final meal we were lured (by a gift certificate from the BRD) to a favorite spot.

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen is a New Orleans-style place that is packed to the gills (no pun intended) every day at lunchtimes.  Our server told us there are 100 people working the restaurant and they keep the orders flying.

A half fried catfish po boy and a cup of crawfish bisque for SWMBO.

Blackened catfish and red beans and rice for me, preceded by a cup of lobster bisque.

No dessert this time as we toddled out and drove up the hill to home.

A grand staycation, indeed.

THROWBACK . . . WEDNESDAY???

We're off to the Big Valley today for a short staycation.  Since tomorrow is Throwback Thursday and I hate to miss it, I'm giving you an early TBT today.  Sometime in the mid 1980's; Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico; out for a sailing voyage on my friend Harry's boat, Sand Dollar II.

Those were the days!  Skimming over the waves, sitting in the bow with my legs hanging down, dolphins swimming on either side of me.